Lexi Thompson issues statement about pace of play at U.S. Women's Open

LPGA Tour star Lexi Thompson has urged armchair critics to think twice before commenting on pace of play at the U.S. Women's Open. 

Groups at the second women's major of the year have - at times - been taking north of six hours to get round Erin Hills on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

Thompson was in the marquee group alongside World No.1 Nelly Korda and England's Charley Hull over the first 36 holes of the major in Wisconsin. 

Hull appeared to get agitated with Thompson in round one and pictures flooded the socials of the Brit sitting on tee boxes apparently waiting for the American. 

Thompson, who missed the cut after shooting rounds of 73-74, took to Instagram to set the record straight.

She claimed her group was waiting on every single hole and their group was never out of position or warned about their pace. 

"Wasn't the week I was hoping for,” she wrote on Instagram. 

"I just want to say a few things, first big thank you to the USGA, the volunteers, and fans for making this week possible.

"The US Women's Open has always held a special place in my heart ever since I was 12, and it always will.

"In reality, my game wasn't ready for the week even though I put a lot of hard work into it, but that wasn’t going to stop me fighting through the week.

"I also want to add on this, because pace of play was a huge talk this week. Want people to realise our group basically waited on every single hole on the group in front, we were never out of position/warned/or on the clock.

"I’ll be the first one to say I'm not as fast as my playing partners the two days, but I'm also the last person that wants to be out there for six hours.

"So, before you make assumptions, make sure you get all the facts right before basing it on pictures and little clips. That's all!"

Thompson clarifies position on retirement

Last May, Thompson announced her retirement from the sport. 

The news came as a shock considering she is only 29 years old. 

Thompson has won 15 LPGA Tour titles - including one major championship - and has represented the U.S. on six occasions at the Solheim Cup. 

"While it is never easy to say goodbye, it is indeed time," she wrote in an emotional statement. 

The 2025 U.S. Women's Open marked her fifth start of the season. 

Thompson also clarified that she meant she would only be stepping away from a burdensome, full-time schedule.

"AND I'm not sure how many times I'll have to repeat this, but I never used the word retire," Thompson added.

"I said not a full-time schedule because I'm not sure how much I will play.

"Just taking it one at a time. That's why I'm still playing the tournaments I actually enjoy or want to play in."